CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR FOOD & ENERGY
A circular economy for food mimics natural systems of regeneration so that waste does not exist, but is instead feedstock for another cycle.
In a circular economy, organic resources such as those from food by-products, are free from contaminants and can safely be returned to the soil in the form of organic fertiliser. Some of these by-products can provide additional value before this happens by creating new food products, fabrics for the fashion industry, or as sources of bioenergy. These cycles regenerate living systems, such as soil, which provide renewable resources, and support biodiversity.
Changing our food system is one of the most impactful things we can do to address climate change, create healthy cities, and rebuild biodiversity. The current food system has fuelled urbanisation, economic development, and supported a fast-growing population. However, this has come at an enormous cost to society and the environment. This learning path begins by examining the true cost of the current approach to food production. It then explores the catalytic role of cities and how they can seize the opportunity to change the global food system through three ambitions:
- Sourcing food grown regeneratively, and locally where appropriate
- Designing and marketing healthier food products
- Making the most of food and the waste generated by it.
Finally, the potential benefits of realising these ambitions are presented.
Some businesses are operating in a way that helps regenerate natural systems.
Key Growing at Woodmansey Business Park began work in 2008 to change their mode of operating by seeking solutions to waste generated onsite, creating a more vibrant habitat for wildlife and developing partnerships with Companies that actively promote this ethos. This has had a positive impact on the long term health of the Business Parks environment – and the company.
Creating such a systemic shift has required investments of both time and funding, but without either, our systems are on a trajectory to suffer in the long-term, which will impact all of us.
Find out more: HERE
Comments are closed.